Abstract

Morphological and histological examination of gonads and detailed classification and description of maturity stages were
carried out in the female Epinephelus diacanthus. Maximum ova diameter of 650 µm was observed in the ripe ovary.
Oocyte size increased with the maturation of gonads. Gonado-somatic Index (GSI) values also increased with the maturation
of gonads. Fecundity was in the range of 13.1 x 103 to 145.7 x 103.